Hay There! Debunking Common Horse Feeding Myths

Hay There! Debunking Common Horse Feeding Myths

We all want the best for our equine companions. Proper nutrition is a cornerstone of horse health, but with so much information (and misinformation) out there, it's easy to get lost in a haystack of myths and misconceptions. Today, we're going to saddle up and ride through some of the most common feeding myths, separating fact from fiction to ensure your horse gets the nutrition it truly needs.

Myth 1: Horses need grain in their diet

The Truth: While grain can be a useful source of concentrated energy for some horses, it's not a necessary part of every horse's diet. In fact, horses evolved to thrive on a forage-based diet, primarily grasses and hay.

Many horses, especially those with light to moderate workloads, can maintain excellent health on good quality forage alone. Grains are high in starch and sugar, which can lead to digestive issues and metabolic problems if overfed. Always consider your horse's individual needs, workload, and body condition before adding grain to their diet.

If you are looking for some high quality, grain free feeds, consider feeding legumes such as lupins, maize or faba beans, or complete feeds such as Hygain Meta, CEN Ultimate Complete Feed or KER Equi-Jewel.

Myth 2: Feeding horses just before or after exercise is dangerous

The Truth: While it's true that you shouldn't feed large meals immediately before or after intense exercise, small amounts of forage can actually be beneficial.

Allowing horses to nibble on hay (in particular, lucerne) before exercise can help buffer stomach acid and reduce the risk of gastric ulcers. After exercise, offering small amounts of hay can help restore gut motility and promote recovery. The key is moderation – avoid large grain meals around exercise times, but don't withhold all feed.

Myth 3: Bran mashes are a good weekly "cleanser" for horses

The Truth: The idea that bran mashes act as a laxative or "cleanser" is outdated and potentially harmful. Sudden changes in diet, even for one meal, can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria in horses.

Moreover, wheat bran is very high in phosphorus but low in calcium. Regular feeding of bran without balancing these minerals can lead to nutritional imbalances over time. If you want to provide a warm, comforting meal, consider a mash made from your horse's regular feed instead.

If your goal is to remove sand from your horse's gut, then try products such as psyllium husk, Sand Flush or EAC In-SandOut, which should only be used for 5 days per month.

Myth 4: Horses should always have access to salt blocks

The Truth: While horses do need salt in their diet, traditional salt blocks may not be the best way to provide it. In fact, only few horse's will get their required salt intake from licking a block alone. Horses' tongues are much softer than cattle tongues (for which most salt blocks are designed), making it difficult and sometimes uncomfortable for horses to get enough salt from licking a block.

Loose salt is often a better option, as it's easier for horses to consume, and can be added to your horse's hard feed. Some horses may also benefit from electrolyte supplementation, especially in hot weather or during intense exercise. Always ensure fresh, clean water is available when offering salt or electrolytes.

Myth 5: Lucerne makes horses "hot" or hyperactive

The Truth: There's no scientific evidence to support the idea that lucerne directly causes hyperactivity in horses. This myth likely stems from the fact that lucerne is higher in calories and protein than grass hay.

If a horse is overfed lucerne and receives more calories than it needs, it might have excess energy that presents as excitability. However, when fed appropriately, lucerne can be an excellent source of nutrients, particularly for growing horses, pregnant or lactating mares, and horses in heavy work.

Myth 6: Horses need to be fed on a strict schedule

The Truth: While consistency in feeding is important, horses don't wear watches! In nature, horses graze for up to 18 hours a day. Their digestive systems are designed for constant, slow intake of forage.

Strict meal times can actually increase the risk of digestive issues like ulcers, especially if horses are left without food for long periods. If possible, aim to provide constant access to forage, or feed smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.

Myth 7: All horses need vitamin and mineral supplements

The Truth: Not every horse needs additional supplements. Horses on a balanced diet with good quality forage and, if necessary, a fortified concentrate feed, may be getting all the vitamins and minerals they need.

Overuse of supplements can lead to imbalances or even toxicities. Before adding any supplement to your horse's diet, consider having your forage analysed and consult with an equine nutritionist to determine if there are any gaps in your horse's nutrition that need addressing.

Myth 8: Feeding garlic boosts immune function and repels insects

The Truth: While garlic has been touted as a cure-all for various equine issues, there's little scientific evidence to support these claims. In fact, feeding large amounts of garlic can be harmful to horses.

Garlic contains N-propyl disulfide, which can damage red blood cells and potentially lead to anemia in horses. As for insect repellent properties, studies have shown that garlic has little to no effect on insect burden in horses.

Myth 9: Choke is caused by dry pelleted feeds

The Truth: Choke (esophageal obstruction) can occur with any type of feed if eaten too quickly or not chewed properly. While dry, pelleted feeds can contribute to choke in some horses, it's not the sole cause.

Factors like poor dentition, eating too fast, and not having enough water available can all increase the risk of choke. To reduce the risk, ensure your horse has regular dental check-ups, provide plenty of fresh water, and consider ways to slow down rapid eaters, such as using slow-feeders or adding water to dry feeds.

Understanding equine nutrition is important for every horse owner, but it can be a complex subject with many myths and misconceptions. Always remember that each horse is an individual with unique nutritional needs based on factors like age, weight, workload, and overall health.

When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist. They can help you navigate the sea of information and develop a feeding program tailored to your horse's specific needs. By basing our feeding practices on science rather than myth, we can ensure our equine partners lead healthy, happy lives.

Remember, good nutrition is about balance, consistency, and meeting your horse's individual needs. Happy feeding!